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What is an Endocervical Polyp?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

An endocervical polyp is a type of growth that appears in the neck of a woman’s uterus, which is called the cervix. Polyps are often red, purplish, or grayish in color and can be various sizes, though they are usually small. A woman can have a single endocervical polyp or a group of them. They are usually not cancerous and may not even cause symptoms. To be sure they aren’t cancerous, however, doctors often recommend that women have them biopsied, which means examined for cancerous cells.

Endocervical polyps form from glands of a woman’s cervix. These polyps often occur in women who are at least 20 years old but have yet to reach menopause. Ectocervical polyps, which form from the cervix’s outer layer, are usually more common in women who have been through menopause. These polyps occur only rarely in girls who haven’t had their first menstrual period and are more likely to develop in women who have given birth to children.

Growths that appear in the neck of a woman's uterus are referred to as endocervical polyps.
Growths that appear in the neck of a woman's uterus are referred to as endocervical polyps.

A woman can have an endocervical polyp without having any symptoms. In some cases, however, a woman may note such symptoms as a smelly discharge, abnormal discharge without a foul smell, bleeding between menstrual periods, and bleeding after sex. Some women with these polyps may even have heavier periods as a symptom of the growth. When women do not have symptoms, the polyps may be discovered during routine gynecological examinations.

Symptoms of an endocervical polyp may include bleeding after sex.
Symptoms of an endocervical polyp may include bleeding after sex.

Usually, an endocervical polyp isn’t harmful to a woman’s health, and if it doesn't cause symptoms, there may be no reason to treat it. Often, however, doctors think it best to remove this type of polyp so it can be checked for the presence of cancerous cells. Sometimes an endocervical polyp will even come off on its own. For example, it may simply fall off during intercourse or while a woman is having a menstrual period.

Removal of large endocervical polyps usually requires surgery under general anesthesia.
Removal of large endocervical polyps usually requires surgery under general anesthesia.

If an endocervical polyp is small, doctors can usually remove it in a medical office rather than having the patient check into a hospital. In such a case, a surgical instrument is typically used to grab the polyp and pluck or twist it off the cervix. If the polyp is large or very wide, however, doctors may need to remove it in an operating room. In such a case, the area may be numbed with local anesthesia or the patient may be given general anesthesia to put her to sleep for the procedure.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon926667

I am 29 and have never been pregnant. I had a polyp removed today during a routine pap smear test. I have read on the internet that this is most common for either pre-menopausal women, or women who have been pregnant, however I wonder if it is something to be concerned about if you are in neither of the above categories?

anon308410

I had one removed today during my pap smear and it was the least painful portion of the whole exam. I didn't feel a thing.

anon244043

I just had my first polyp removed today, and I'm only 20 and have had no kids. It wasn't really that bad; I'm very insensitive to these kinds of procedures, because I'll do anything for answers, especially to make sure it isn't cancerous.

I'd rather have a simple removal done in the doctor's office than have to be inpatient at the hospital for days, recovering from surgery.

I'm a little sore from the procedure, but I bet it'd be a whole lot worse if I had to have surgery.

DFMeyers

Why would they even attempt to remove a cervical polyp in the doctor's office? They can't give you medications or put you to sleep like in a hospital. What about the pain? I would think a person would be extremely sensitive in this area of the body.

honeysuckle

I had cervical polyps when I was in my 20's. I kept bleeding in between my cycles and I had a much heavier flow. It kept getting worse, so I finally went to the doctor after being persuaded by my mother.

The doctor said I had a type of polyp called endocervical polyps. He had to take a sample and check it for cancer. While in the office, he soon discovered I had a very large polyp he could not remove in the office.

I had to have surgery to remove the larger polyp. My recovery time was pretty fast, and I no longer have heavy bleeding or bleeding between cycles. I am so glad I listened to my mother.

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    • Growths that appear in the neck of a woman's uterus are referred to as endocervical polyps.
      By: blueringmedia
      Growths that appear in the neck of a woman's uterus are referred to as endocervical polyps.
    • Symptoms of an endocervical polyp may include bleeding after sex.
      By: mast3r
      Symptoms of an endocervical polyp may include bleeding after sex.
    • Removal of large endocervical polyps usually requires surgery under general anesthesia.
      By: uwimages
      Removal of large endocervical polyps usually requires surgery under general anesthesia.